Montana is home to a diverse array of bird species, some of which exhibit brilliant yellow plumage on their heads. When exploring the fields, forests, and wetlands of Montana, bird watchers may spot several types of birds with yellow heads if looking closely amongst the trees and bushes. The most notable yellow-headed species that reside in or migrate through Montana include warblers, finches, blackbirds, and woodpeckers. Read on to learn more about the key identifying features, habitat ranges, migration patterns, and interesting behaviors of Montana’s yellow-headed birds.
Common Yellowthroat
The Common Yellowthroat is a small songbird classified as a New World warbler. Yellowthroats are abundant across North America and earn their name from the bright yellow plumage on the throats of males. In addition to a yellow throat, they have an olive-colored back, a gray breast, and a black face mask. Their yellow head plumage is more extensive in summer months and fades to a paler yellow in winter.
Some key facts about Common Yellowthroats in Montana include:
- Habitat: Found in wetlands with dense, low vegetation as well as brushy fields. They favor areas with sedges, willows, and cattails.
- Range: Summer residents that breed across most of Montana from April to September before migrating south. They winter along the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America.
- Length: 4.5-5 inches.
- Diet: Feeds on spiders and insects like beetles, grasshoppers, and flies.
- Nesting: Males establish breeding territories in spring and build cup-shaped nests low in shrubs and tangled vegetation. Females lay 3-5 eggs.
- Sounds: A distinctive “witchity-witchity-witchity” song.
- Fun Fact: The yellowthroat’s black face mask makes it look like a tiny bandit!
Yellow Warbler
The Yellow Warbler is another small, brightly-colored wood warbler that passes through Montana each spring and summer. As their name suggests, Yellow Warblers have predominantly yellow plumage. Males have yellow heads, bodies, and tails with rusty streaks on their breasts. Females are similar but with duller yellow coloring. Their wings and backs are olive-green.
Here’s an overview of Yellow Warblers in Montana:
- Habitat: Riparian areas like wetlands and streamside woodlands with dense undergrowth.
- Range: Summer residents from May to August. They migrate to Central and South America for winter.
- Length: 4-5 inches.
- Diet: Insects like caterpillars, moths, and flies.
- Nesting: Cup-shaped nests in upright forks of bushes, shrubs, or trees near water. Lays 3-6 eggs.
- Sounds: A bright, sweet whistled song “sweet sweet sweet I’m so sweet.”
- Fun Fact: The most colorful warbler in North America!
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a small, colorful finch with a flashing yellow body and head. Males have bright golden-yellow plumage on their heads, necks, breasts, and bellies. Their wings are black with white markings, their backs are olive-green, and they have a black forehead. Females are duller in color with a pale yellow bod and olive-colored head.
American Goldfinches are found:
- Habitat: Weedy fields, meadows, floodplains, marshes, farms. They prefer open areas with scattered shrubs and trees.
- Range: Year-round residents. Some northern populations migrate south in winter while others remain.
- Length: 4-5 inches
- Diet: Seeds and grains from composites, grasses, trees. Occasional insects.
- Nesting: Breeding starts late, from July-August. Nest in shrubs, trees, or vines. Female lays 3-6 eggs.
- Sounds: A light, tinkling song and “po-ta-to-chip” call.
- Fun Fact: Late nesters, associated with thistle and dandelion “down.”
Yellow-Headed Blackbird
Yellow-headed Blackbirds are medium-sized marsh birds that are unmistakable thanks to the male’s striking yellow head and breast contrasting with their black body. Females are mostly brown with a faint yellow tinge on the throat.
These birds reside in Montana during the warmer months:
- Habitat: Wetlands across western and central Montana with reeds, rushes, and cattails. Rare in the east.
- Range: Summer residents from April to September. Winters in the southwest U.S. and Mexico.
- Length: 8-10 inches.
- Diet: Insects, spiders, grains, seeds. Forages on ground and in water.
- Nesting: Nest sites are hidden among reeds near water. Males defend nesting territory. Female lays 3-5 eggs.
- Sounds: Harsh “chuck” calls and screechy “skreek” sounds.
- Fun Fact: Forms huge flocks of hundreds or thousands in winter!
Lewis’s Woodpecker
The final Montana bird with a yellow-hued head is Lewis’s Woodpecker. Adults have an olive-gray back and wings, a gray collar, a pink belly, and a reddish face. Their most distinguishing feature is a dark greenish-black head with a red forehead and throat.
Here’s a quick look at these woodpeckers:
- Habitat: Open woodlands, burned forests, pine forests. Requires dead trees for nesting.
- Range: Uncommon summer resident in western and central Montana. Winters in southwest.
- Length: 9-11 inches.
- Diet: Mostly insects like beetles, ants, and grasshoppers. Also eats fruits and berries.
- Nesting: Excavates nest cavities in dead trees. Lays 5-9 white eggs.
- Sounds: Loud, rolling calls.
- Fun Fact: Named after explorer Meriwether Lewis who made early descriptions of the species.
Identification Tips
When trying to identify a yellow-headed bird in Montana, consider the size, habitat, overall coloration, tail shape, beak shape, and distinctive markings. Pay attention to behavior and listen for unique songs or calls. Here are some quick identification tips:
- Small yellow warblers with olive-green wings – look for eye stripes and wing bars.
- Tiny yellowthroats stay low in wet shrubs and have a black “bandit mask.”
- Notice goldfinch’s notched black and white tail and small conical bill for eating seeds.
- Large marsh blackbirds with striking yellow heads are Yellow-headed Blackbirds.
- Woodpeckers like Lewis’s have stiff upright posture, long tails, and chisel-like bills.
Using field guides and apps can also help accurately identify yellow-headed Montana birds. Focusing on key field marks simplifies recognizing these colorful species.
Conclusion
Montana’s landscape provides excellent habitat for a variety of birds with vibrant yellow plumage on their heads. The most prominent species include Common Yellowthroat and Yellow Warblers, American Goldfinch, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and Lewis’s Woodpecker. These birds can be found frequenting wetlands, meadows, forests, and other open spaces during spring and summer. Watch and listen closely when outdoors and you might catch a glimpse of one of these striking yellow-headed birds gracing Montana’s fields and wetlands with their beauty. Being able to identify them by sight and sound takes practice, but improving your birding skills can help you appreciate and conserve Montana’s diverse avifauna.
References
- Audubon Guide to North American Birds – https://www.audubon.org/bird-guide
- Montana Field Guide – https://fieldguide.mt.gov/
- The Sibley Guide to Birds – https://www.sibleyguides.com/about/the-sibley-guide-to-birds/
- USGS: Yellow-headed Blackbird – https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/male-yellow-headed-blackbird-icterus-xanthocephalus
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks – https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/birds
